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Verint Systems
Verint Systems
Verint Systems
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Verint Systems Inc. is a Melville, New York–based technology company that sells products and services for customer experience (CX) automation.[2] The company offers an open platform, applications, and bots that incorporate artificial intelligence (AI), advanced analytics, large language models, and automated workflows to analyze business intelligence from customer interactions in the contact center, back office, branch, web sites, and mobile apps.[3][4] This information is used by organizations to achieve a variety of business outcomes, such as increasing productivity and service quality without hiring additional workers, lowering costs, improving the customer experience, and enhancing products, services, and competitive differentiation.[5]

Key Information

In 2024, Verint has approximately 10,000 clients in more than 175 countries, and approximately 3,700 employees around the globe, plus a few hundred contractors in various locations internationally.[6] The company was previously a majority-owned subsidiary of Comverse Technology[7] and it was formerly known as Comverse Infosys.[8] In February 2013, Verint Systems became independent of Comverse, having bought out the latter's stake in it.[9]

History

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Founding, early years

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Verint started as Comverse Technology's Comverse Infosys business unit, which was created in 1999[10] although it was also incorporated in Delaware in February 1994 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Comverse Technology.[dubious – discuss] Verint's initial focus was on the commercial call recording market, which at the time was transitioning from analog tape to digital recorders. On June 7, 1999, the company released an Internet Call Waiting service.[11]

Expansion and name change

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In 1999, Comverse Infosys was combined with another division of Comverse focused on security and the communications interception market. In 2001, Verint expanded into video security by combining with Loronix Information Systems, Inc., which had been previously acquired by Comverse.[12] In 2002, Comverse Infosys changed its name to Verint Systems Inc.[13]

IPO, acquisitions

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In May 2002, Verint completed an IPO and became a public company, although it was still majority owned by Comverse Technology. Since 2006 Verint has acquired several other companies such as MultiVision Intelligent Surveillance Limited, a networked video security business; CM Insight Limited, a UK-based, customer management company; Mercom Systems Inc., an interaction recording and performance evaluation company; ViewLinks Euclipse Ltd., a provider of data mining and link analysis software; and Witness Systems, Inc. a workforce optimization company.[14]

In July 2008[15] Amit Bohensky founded Focal-Info,[16] a software company focused on web data extraction and analytics. The following month Focal-Info had been bought by Verint for an undisclosed amount, with Bohensky hired back on to lead Focal-Info's "extended activity" within Verint.[17][18] A subsequent acquisition was of Iontas, in early 2010, a provider of desktop analytics solutions.[14]

Beginning with a stock options backdating scandal in 2006, parent company Comverse Technology suffered a series of financial reporting problems, losses and layoffs, with one consequence that both Comverse and Verint were delisted from the NASDAQ stock market in 2007 and ended up on the Pink Sheets.[19] In July 2010, Verint was relisted on the NASDAQ stock market under the symbol VRNT.[20] By that year, there was considerable talk that Comverse Technology would sell its remaining interest in Verint, with some private equity firms mentioned as possible buyers.[7][21] In September 2011, Verint acquired Global Management Technologies Corporation, paying around $25 million for it.[22]

Full independence

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In August 2012, Verint announced that it would buy out Comverse Technology's stake in it, in a transaction valued at around $800 million.[23] An FBR Capital Markets analyst said the move "finally eliminates a major overhang on the name by removing Comverse's majority ownership stake."[23] The deal was finalized in February 2013.[9]

In January 2014, the Swiss Federal Department of Justice and Police awarded Verint a contract worth $14.2 million to develop the new Interception System Switzerland ISS 2 wiretapping system.[24][25]

Over the next few years, Verint acquired several more companies - in February 2014, the CRM provider KANA Software Inc., acquired from Accel-KKR for $514.2 million;[26] in November 2016, the customer experience software company OpinionLab for an undisclosed amount;[27] in December 2017, the intelligent virtual assistant company Next IT for $30 million cash plus up to $21 million in future payments.[28][29]

On February 1, 2021, Verint spun off its cyber intelligence division as Cognyte, an independent company catering to governments, to become a pure-play customer engagement vendor.[30][31] Having divested its cyber intelligence and defense offerings, Verint now focused on developing customer engagement and CX automation solutions for the civilian market, including banking, insurance, public safety/sector, retail, and telecommunications organizations.[32]

In August 2025, private equity firm Thoma Bravo agreed to take Verint private in a $2 billion deal. Thoma Bravo intends its portfolio company Calabrio to partner with Verint on automating CX workflows with AI, once the acquisition is approved.[33]

Controversy

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An article published in Haaretz alleges Verint had "faced backlash" for selling surveillance technology to "repressive regimes" for several years.[34]

On February 2, 2021, Amnesty International reported that an Israeli subsidiary of Verint had "provided the South Sudanese authorities, including the NSS [National Security Services], with communications interception equipment and annual support services" between 2015 and 2017. The NSS has a record of "harassing, intimidating, threatening, arbitrarily detaining and, in some cases, forcibly disappearing and extra-judicially killing" critics of the government. In its report, Amnesty said it "believes that this [sale] goes against Israel’s obligation to protect human rights."[35][34]

Products

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Verint's products include the Verint Open Platform, which incorporates AI and behavioral data from customer interactions, along with numerous AI-powered bots and applications for customer engagement. The platform is modular, allowing organizations to selectively implement bots to align with specific business priorities. The platform supports traditional contact centers as well as contact center as a service (CCaaS) models.[36] Automated workflows support the sharing of customer interaction analysis among the contact center, back office, branch, web sites, and mobile apps.[37]

In June 2024, Verint was named “Best Virtual Agent Solution” in the AI Breakthrough Awards program.[38] The company’s open platform was named a winner in the “Best Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)” category at the 2024 CX Awards hosted by CX Today.[39]

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Verint Systems

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from Grokipedia
Verint Systems Inc. is a U.S.-based technology company headquartered in , specializing in (CX) automation through its open platform powered by AI bots, analytics, and workforce management tools designed for contact centers and enterprise engagement. Founded in 1994 as a division of , it became a publicly traded company in 2002 and, following a spin-off of its intelligence and cybersecurity operations into Cognyte Software, refocused exclusively on commercial CX solutions serving global brands across industries. With approximately 3,800 employees, Verint emphasizes scalable, cloud-native technologies like Da Vinci AI for forecasting, scheduling, and process optimization to enhance customer interactions and operational efficiency. Prior to the spin-off, Verint's intelligence division supplied and systems to governments worldwide, drawing scrutiny for enabling mass monitoring capabilities in countries including , , and , where such tools were reportedly used to target dissidents and suppress . The company's origins trace to Comverse founder Kobi Alexander, who faced U.S. charges of and obstruction leading to his flight as a , alongside a 2007 SEC enforcement action against Verint for improper practices.

Overview

Company Profile and Mission

Verint Systems Inc. is a specializing in () , providing an open platform that integrates AI-powered bots, , and engagement tools to enhance customer interactions and drive business outcomes. Headquartered in , the company was founded in 1994 as a of before becoming independent. Verint employs approximately 3,800 people globally and serves more than 10,000 customers, including over 80 of the Fortune 100 companies across sectors like , retail, healthcare, and . For its fiscal year ending January 31, 2024, Verint reported revenue of $909.2 million. Following the February 2021 spin-off of its and cyber solutions into Cognyte Software Ltd., Verint refocused exclusively on commercial technologies, positioning itself as a pure-play CX provider. The company's platform supports multichannel , workforce optimization, and data-driven insights to reduce operational costs and improve metrics. In August 2025, Verint agreed to a $2 billion acquisition by private equity firm , pending shareholder and regulatory approval as of October 2025. Verint's mission centers on empowering brands to achieve boundless through innovative AI solutions that simplify, modernize, and automate interactions. This involves delivering actionable intelligence from to enable scalable, efficient operations while prioritizing , , and transparency in its core values. The company emphasizes real-world applicability of its technologies, helping organizations transition from traditional contact centers to automated, AI-orchestrated ecosystems.

Core Business Segments

Verint Systems operates as a provider of (CX) automation solutions, with its core business centered on software platforms that leverage to enhance customer interactions and for enterprises. Following the divestiture of its cyber intelligence operations in , the company reports revenue primarily from a single operating segment dedicated to technologies, serving sectors such as , healthcare, retail, and . This segment generated over $900 million in annual revenue as of 2025, with more than 80% derived from recurring sources including SaaS subscriptions and maintenance services. The foundational element of Verint's CX offerings is its , which integrates AI-powered bots trained on enterprise to automate responses across voice, digital, and channels, aiming to resolve up to 40% of customer inquiries without human intervention. Complementary tools within this segment include workforce optimization solutions, such as forecasting and scheduling software that uses to align staffing with demand peaks, and real-time guidance systems that provide agents with contextual prompts during interactions to improve resolution rates. Interaction analytics forms another critical pillar, employing speech-to-text processing and natural language understanding to extract insights from recorded customer conversations, enabling organizations to identify trends in sentiment, compliance issues, and service gaps. Engagement orchestration capabilities further support management, routing inquiries seamlessly between email, chat, voice, and while integrating with existing CRM systems to personalize responses based on historical data. These integrated solutions are deployed via cloud-native architectures, supporting scalability for large enterprises and contributing to Verint's client base of over 10,000 organizations in more than 175 countries.

History

Founding and Early Years (1994–2002)

Verint Systems originated as a of , Inc., a telecommunications software company founded in 1984 by Kobi Alexander. The entity was incorporated in on February 23, 1994, under the name Interactive Information Systems Corporation, with an initial focus on developing analytic software solutions for extracting actionable intelligence from communications and multimedia data in security and applications. Dan Bodner, who had joined Comverse in 1987, assumed the role of president and CEO of the new in 1994, guiding its early emphasis on digital surveillance technologies derived from Comverse's AudioDisk system, which enabled and recording for investigative purposes. On January 30, 1996, the company renamed itself Comverse Information Systems Corporation to align more closely with its parent. By January 31, 1999, it merged with Comverse Infomedia Systems Corp. to form Comverse Infosys, Inc., expanding its portfolio into communications interception and networked video solutions. Key product launches included Reliant in August 1999, an advanced surveillance platform, and Star-Gate in May 2000, a system for intercepting and analyzing communications data. In July 2000, Comverse Infosys acquired Loronix Information Systems, integrating video surveillance capabilities to complement its audio-focused offerings. The period culminated in a strategic rebranding on February 1, 2002, to Verint Systems Inc., signaling maturation beyond its Comverse roots amid rising post-9/11 demand for intelligence tools. This preceded its on May 16, 2002, with shares priced at $16, though they closed down $1.51 on the first trading day; Comverse retained approximately 79.5% ownership post-IPO. transitioned to chairman of Verint, maintaining oversight as the company positioned itself for growth in and markets.

Expansion, IPO, and Acquisitions (2002–2013)

In May 2002, Verint Systems completed its on the exchange under the VRNT, issuing 4,500,000 shares of at $16 per share, which raised approximately $72 million in gross proceeds before underwriting discounts and expenses. Although the IPO provided Verint with market access and capital for growth, Comverse Technology Inc., its former parent, retained majority ownership and significant control over the company, limiting Verint's operational independence. Post-IPO, Verint pursued expansion by leveraging its core competencies in communications and software, targeting growth in , , and enterprise markets through organic development and strategic acquisitions to broaden its product portfolio and geographic reach. A key early acquisition occurred on March 31, 2004, when Verint purchased the government business of ECtel Ltd., an Israeli firm, for $35 million in cash, enhancing its capabilities in mass and for voice and data . This move expanded Verint's offerings into complementary intelligence segments and facilitated entry into additional international markets beyond its primary North American and European base, which then accounted for about 85% of revenues. Subsequent deals in the mid-2000s included acquisitions like MultiVision Intelligent Limited for networked video and CM Insight for customer interaction analytics, further diversifying Verint's solutions in workforce optimization and video . The most significant transaction during this period was the $950 million acquisition of Systems Inc., announced on February 12, 2007, and completed in May 2007 after shareholder approval, which integrated Witness's software and strengthened Verint's position in contact center optimization, nearly doubling its addressable market in . Verint continued acquisitive growth into the early , notably acquiring Global Management Technologies on October 7, 2011, to bolster workforce optimization tools, and Iontas Ltd. to advance desktop for employee performance monitoring. These moves supported expansion, with the company reporting increased sales from integrated solutions amid rising demand for -driven security and platforms. By 2012, efforts to achieve full independence culminated in an all-stock agreement announced on August 13, 2012, to acquire Inc., Verint's , for up to $805.7 million, eliminating Comverse's 41% stake and all preferred shares. The transaction closed on February 4, 2013, via merger, allowing Verint to operate without parental oversight and redirect resources toward core business acceleration.

Path to Independence and Strategic Shifts (2013–2020)

In February 2013, Verint Systems achieved full independence from , Inc., its former parent, through a merger transaction completed on February 4, 2013, in which Verint acquired the remaining outstanding shares of and eliminated its controlling interest. This move resolved longstanding governance complexities stemming from Comverse's financial and operational challenges, including prior accounting irregularities that had constrained Verint's strategic agility. The separation positioned Verint as a standalone entity with enhanced decision-making autonomy, enabling it to allocate resources more directly toward its dual pillars of solutions and cyber intelligence offerings. Post-independence, Verint redirected its strategy toward bolstering (CX) automation and workforce optimization, integrating , AI-driven bots, and capabilities to address enterprise demands for . This shift emphasized recurring revenue from software-as-a-service models over legacy hardware dependencies, with investments in R&D yielding innovations like automated workforce planning tools released in to support hybrid remote-office transitions amid social distancing requirements. Between 2013 and , Verint executed multiple acquisitions to accelerate this pivot, completing 21 in total across its history with peaks in 2016 (two deals) and 2017 (three deals) targeting enhancements in conversational AI, , and engagement platforms. By the late 2010s, these efforts had diversified Verint's revenue streams, with customer engagement segments growing to represent a larger share of operations compared to cyber , reflecting a deliberate de-emphasis on high-risk contracts in favor of commercial CX scalability. In December 2019, Verint's board approved a plan to structurally separate its businesses into two independent entities—one focused on CX solutions and the other on cyber —signaling a culmination of strategic realignment to unlock value from distinct market dynamics and reduce operational interdependencies. This initiative, while not executed until 2021, underscored Verint's evolution from a Comverse offshoot toward specialized, market-responsive units during the period.

Spin-off of Intelligence Division and Recent Evolution (2021–Present)

On February 1, 2021, Verint Systems completed the spin-off of its cyber intelligence division into Cognyte Software Ltd., distributing one share of Cognyte for each share of Verint held by shareholders as of January 25, 2021. The transaction, announced in December 2019, separated Verint's operations—generating approximately $1 billion in annual revenue—from its cyber intelligence segment, which approached $500 million, enabling Verint to operate as a pure-play provider of (CX) automation solutions. Following the spin-off, Verint secured a $200 million investment from on April 6, 2021, through the issuance of Series B preferred stock, bolstering its for CX-focused growth initiatives. Post-spin-off, Verint shifted its strategy toward AI-powered CX automation, emphasizing workforce optimization, , and platforms to enhance agent productivity and customer interactions. The company reported fluctuating revenues, peaking in fiscal 2021 before declining in 2022 amid market challenges, but demonstrated recovery through AI adoption, with AI annual recurring revenue (ARR) reaching $372 million in Q2 fiscal 2025, a 21.2% year-over-year increase, alongside of $208 million. Verint launched initiatives like flexible workforce scheduling and advanced AI tools to address hybrid work trends and reduce , positioning itself as a leader in ISG's 2025 CXM Buyers Guide for delivering faster business outcomes via AI-driven agent efficiency. In September 2024, Verint's board authorized a $200 million stock repurchase program to signal confidence in its valuation amid ongoing AI investments. By August 25, 2025, Verint entered a definitive agreement to be acquired by for approximately $2 billion, or $20.50 per share in cash—an 18% premium to the 10-day —reflecting recognition of its AI-enhanced CX software amid client adoption trends. The deal, expected to close in early 2026 pending approvals, underscores Verint's evolution into a specialized CX automation entity, with analysts noting benefits from AI integration in contact center operations despite prior growth hurdles.

Products and Services

Customer Experience Automation

Verint Systems' Customer Experience Automation segment provides AI-powered solutions designed to enhance customer interactions through automation of , agent augmentation, and backend workflows. The platform employs specialized bots that integrate with existing systems to handle routine tasks, thereby increasing agent efficiency and reducing operational costs while improving containment rates for customer inquiries. Central to this segment is the , which enables deployment of task-specific bots for functions such as knowledge automation, where bots retrieve and deliver contextual information to customers or agents without human intervention. These bots support multichannel engagement, including voice, digital messaging, email, and community forums, allowing organizations to scale interactions across touchpoints like contact centers and portals. For instance, the Intelligent Virtual Assistant facilitates personalized experiences, boosting interaction containment by automating responses to common queries. Additional features include workflow automations, such as the Exact Forecasting Bot, which analyzes historical and contextual data to refine workforce scheduling and predict demand, minimizing overstaffing or delays. The platform's cloud-based architecture supports integration with third-party tools, enabling real-time analytics and insights from to inform proactive engagement strategies. Verint emphasizes measurable outcomes, with implementations reported to elevate scores and generate ROI through reduced handle times and higher resolution rates. In July 2025, Verint was recognized as a leader in ISG's Management Buyers Guide, rated "exemplary" across CX categories for its ability to deliver hybrid human-AI models that balance with personalized service. This segment targets industries like retail and , where solutions address fraud detection in channels alongside engagement tools to drive loyalty and revenue.

Workforce Optimization and Analytics

Verint's Workforce Optimization (WFO) and Analytics offerings integrate AI-powered tools to manage agent scheduling, performance monitoring, and process efficiency primarily in contact centers and back-office operations. These solutions encompass (WFM) for forecasting demand, intraday adjustments, and adherence tracking; quality management for interaction recording and evaluation; and performance management features including coaching, eLearning, and gamification to drive employee engagement. Key capabilities include advanced that analyzes historical interaction to predict workloads, reducing overstaffing risks and enabling automated scheduling across multi-channel environments. Desktop and provide real-time visibility into employee activity across applications, identifying bottlenecks and ensuring compliance without invasive monitoring. consolidate from customer interactions, transactions, and employee behaviors to generate actionable insights for improvements. In practice, these tools have supported measurable outcomes, such as a 35% increase in agent productivity and 30% in service level agreements (SLAs) for a operator through demand-based scheduling. Similarly, achieved 100% interaction visibility, automated forecasting, and real-time adherence, reducing staffing errors and enhancing SLA performance. Verint's WFO solutions have been recognized for leadership in categories like and analytics by industry reports as of 2021. The platform emphasizes AI-driven automation to minimize manual workflows, such as agent guidance during interactions and fatigue risk management, while supporting scheduling to boost employee satisfaction. Integration with broader systems allows for holistic , correlating agent performance with customer outcomes like net promoter scores (NPS).

Legacy Intelligence Solutions (Pre-Spin-off)

Prior to the 2021 spin-off of its Cyber Intelligence Solutions business to Cognyte Software Ltd., Verint Systems provided a suite of technologies designed for government and agencies to intercept, monitor, and analyze communications . These solutions focused on , , and intelligence generation to support counter-terrorism, criminal investigations, and operations. Verint's offerings originated from its roots in , emphasizing passive monitoring of voice, video, and digital traffic across networks. A core component was the Vantage monitoring platform, which enabled centralized collection, storage, and of intercepted communications for large-scale operations. Vantage supported passive monitoring by law enforcement and agencies, facilitating threat detection through automated processing of streams. The system was marketed for "nationwide mass interception," integrating with telecom infrastructure to handle high volumes of traffic while ensuring compliance with legal warrants. Verint's STAR-GATE technology automated the , including target assignment, verification, and delivery of intercepted content to monitoring centers. This platform streamlined lawful access to PSTN, VoIP, , and packet-switched , reducing manual intervention in processes. Complementary tools included communication for deriving actionable insights from intercepted , such as in calls and locations for predictive assessment. These solutions were deployed globally, with integrations for federal agencies like the FBI and sales to foreign governments for network surveillance. Capabilities extended to video and situational awareness platforms for real-time investigation support, emphasizing scalability for enterprise-level intelligence operations. By 2019, the Cyber Intelligence segment represented a significant portion of Verint's revenue, driven by demand for advanced data mining in security contexts.

Market Position and Financials

Revenue Streams and Growth Metrics

Verint Systems derives the majority of its revenue from cloud-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) subscriptions within its (CX) automation and workforce optimization platforms, supplemented by product support contracts, , optional , and declining perpetual licenses. In the ended January 31, 2025 (FY2025), SaaS revenue totaled $582.65 million, comprising the largest stream and reflecting the company's strategic pivot to recurring deployments post-2021 spin-off of its cyber-intelligence division. Product support revenue contributed $103.59 million, while and other nonrecurring items added $92.52 million, and perpetual licenses generated $108.51 million, the latter indicating a legacy on-premises model in contraction. Recurring revenue, encompassing SaaS, support, and , reached $708.12 million in FY2025, representing over 78% of total revenue and underscoring Verint's emphasis on predictable, high-margin streams. Optional , a smaller component, amounted to $21.98 million. This composition aligns with industry trends toward subscription models, enabling scalability in CX solutions like AI-powered bots, , and tools sold to enterprises in sectors such as banking, retail, and utilities. Total revenue has exhibited stability rather than aggressive expansion, holding near $900 million annually since FY2021, with FY2025 at $909.2 million, flat compared to FY2024's $910 million. Historical figures show modest fluctuations: $830 million in FY2021, rising to $874.5 million in FY2022 (+5.3%), $902.2 million in FY2023 (+3.1%), before stabilizing. Within this, and recurring elements demonstrate stronger momentum; SaaS annual recurring revenue (ARR) grew 11.87% to $597.90 million in FY2025, while new SaaS annual contract value (ACV) bookings surged 33.23% to $33.90 million. Subscription ARR further increased 6.4% year-over-year to $728 million as of July 31, 2025, propelled by 21% growth in AI-infused ARR to $372 million. The shift toward recurring has improved margins and predictability, though overall growth lags broader software sector averages due to transitional legacy product wind-downs and competitive pressures in CX . Quarterly for the period ended July 31, 2025, stood at $208 million, with at $893.84 million, reflecting a -2.32% year-over-year decline amid macroeconomic caution but offset by AI-driven wins. Verint's highlights sustained ARR expansion as a key metric for future scalability, targeting $768 million in subscription ARR for FY2026 (±1%).

Competitive Landscape and Innovations

Verint Systems competes primarily in the (CX) automation and (WEM) markets, where it faces established players offering overlapping solutions in AI-driven , contact center optimization, and employee performance tools. Key competitors include NICE CXone, which provides comprehensive WEM platforms with speech and forecasting capabilities; Genesys, known for cloud-based suites emphasizing routing and AI orchestration; and Calabrio ONE, focusing on scheduling and with strong integration for legacy systems. Other notable rivals encompass Five9 for cloud contact center (CCaaS) with embedded AI, Talkdesk for agent assist and , and for experience platforms prioritizing feedback aggregation and . These firms differentiate through varying emphases on scalability, pricing models, and AI depth, with Verint positioning itself via its da Vinci AI suite for behavioral and , though analysts note tighter competition in cloud-native deployments where Genesys and NICE hold larger market shares in enterprise segments. In terms of market dynamics, Verint's competitive edge stems from its hybrid cloud-on-premises flexibility and integration with existing , appealing to regulated industries like and , but it trails leaders in pure-play AI innovation speed, as evidenced by 's peer reviews highlighting NICE's superior execution in real-time guidance. Independent evaluations, such as ISG's 2025 CXM Buyers Guide, rank Verint first in among 29 vendors and second overall in CXM, underscoring its strengths in bot orchestration and data unification amid a landscape shifting toward generative AI for predictive engagement. comparisons reveal Verint's Q2 2025 year-over-year decline of 0.9% against peers like NICE, which reported growth in AI-adjacent segments, reflecting broader market consolidation where scale and recurring revenue favor incumbents with broader ecosystems. Verint's innovations center on AI-powered CX automation, including the 2024-2025 rollout of its bots ecosystem, which enables scalable self-service resolution and agent augmentation, reducing handle times by up to 30% in pilot deployments per company benchmarks. A June 2025 Verint-commissioned study found 86% of consumers prioritize AI for rapid issue resolution, aligning with the firm's emphasis on da Vinci AI for detection and proactive , integrated into its Engage 2025 roadmap for enhanced generative capabilities. Financially, this translated to FYE 2025 AI annual recurring (ARR) overachievement by $8 million in Q4, driven by expansions in bot platforms and , positioning Verint to capture value in a market projected to prioritize for cost efficiency over traditional . Critics from privacy-focused outlets question the ethical deployment of such surveillance-adjacent AI, but Verint counters with compliance features meeting GDPR and CCPA standards, emphasizing measurable ROI in reduced agent attrition and higher first-contact resolution rates.

Controversies and Ethical Debates

Sales of Surveillance Technology to Governments

Verint Systems developed and sold the STAR-GATE platform, a system for of communications including voice, , and internet traffic, to governments for and purposes. This technology enabled automated assignment of targets, , and delivery to authorized agencies while incorporating access controls and audit trails. Verint's securities filings confirm sales of such security and programs to agencies globally, including for intercepting wired, , and VoIP communications. Specific contracts included a 2006 sale of tapping equipment to in partnership with a British firm. In 2012, the U.S. State Department facilitated Verint's provision of an interception system to Mexico's Federal Police, capable of targeting calls from landlines, mobiles, and internet services. awarded Verint a contract in 2013 to develop tools for intercepting encrypted communications across telecom networks, addressing gaps in monitoring services like and . Further sales occurred in and the , such as a portion of Bangladesh's $25.7 million contract in 2015 for monitoring public phone and communications. Verint supplied capabilities to and around 2014, enabling real-time monitoring of dissidents and activists. acquired Verint systems by 2018 for tracking opposition voices in a kingdom where supports rule over a dissenting majority. In , South Sudan's government deployed Verint tools from at least 2015 to 2017 to monitor citizens' phones amid civil conflict. These transactions formed part of Verint's broader portfolio, which generated revenue from clients until the 2021 spin-off of its cyber division into Cognyte Software, focusing the parent on solutions. Prior to the separation, Verint's supported global tracking of cellphone users via network , marketed to agencies.

Criticisms from Privacy Advocates and Industry Watchdogs

Privacy advocates and organizations have repeatedly criticized Verint Systems for enabling abusive practices through sales of interception and monitoring technologies to authoritarian governments. In a February 2, 2021, report titled "These Walls Have Ears", documented how South Sudan's National Security Service (NSS) acquired communications interception equipment from Verint's Israeli subsidiary between March 2015 and February 2017, allowing the agency to wiretap phones and monitor digital communications of journalists, opposition politicians, defenders, and critics without judicial oversight. This capability, Amnesty argued, fostered a "climate of fear" by facilitating arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and , in violation of international standards on and of expression. Amnesty called on Israeli authorities to revoke Verint's export licenses for such technologies, citing the firm's failure to prevent foreseeable misuse despite awareness of South Sudan's poor record. A 2018 Haaretz investigation further highlighted Verint's role in supplying surveillance tools to repressive regimes, including , where the technology was allegedly used to track dissidents and identify individuals' "sexual inclinations" through analysis of personal communications, leading to persecution of . Sources interviewed by reported similar applications in , where Verint systems enabled monitoring that circumvented local privacy laws and targeted minorities. These revelations prompted watchdog groups to question Verint's due diligence in export controls, arguing that the firm's products—such as systems—facilitate without adequate safeguards against abuses. Industry watchdogs have echoed these concerns in broader critiques of Verint's global sales. , in a September 2015 statement, accused Verint of providing infrastructure to Poland's DIPOL system, which integrated data from millions of CCTV cameras, vehicle registries, and telecoms, raising alarms over disproportionate privacy intrusions in a democratic context. Similarly, a November 2014 report detailed Verint's supply of eavesdropping equipment to Central Asian autocracies like and , where such tools were deployed amid documented patterns of and lack of , potentially enabling widespread privacy violations. These criticisms intensified scrutiny on Verint's pre-2021 intelligence division, with groups like emphasizing the firm's complicity in "digital repression" by prioritizing commercial interests over end-user . In response to allegations of , Norway's Government Pension Fund Global divested from Verint in 2020, citing unethical conduct in exports following investigations into misuse. Watchdogs have argued that Verint's technologies, while marketed for lawful purposes, lower barriers for governments to conduct untargeted , undermining global norms without transparent oversight mechanisms.

Counterarguments: Security Benefits and Regulatory Compliance

Proponents of Verint Systems' technologies argue that their and recording solutions deliver tangible benefits by enabling rapid detection and response in high-stakes environments. For instance, Verint's video transform into actionable , allowing teams to identify incidents such as altercations or unauthorized access in public spaces and applications, thereby facilitating quicker interventions. In public safety contexts, Verint's recording platforms capture multi-channel communications including 911 calls, radio, and video, which streamline incident reconstruction, enhance operational efficiency, and mitigate liability risks for emergency responders. These capabilities have been credited with reducing in financial institutions through real-time risk identification and vulnerability mitigation, as deployed in banking environments where Verint's provide immediate against threats like or insider misconduct. Verint's tools also support by integrating diverse data sources—such as body cameras, license plate recognition, and sensors—into unified platforms, which improve decision-making during crises and optimize resource allocation. Empirical outcomes include faster emergency call handling and automated for 911 interactions, where AI-driven evaluation of all communications flags risks and ensures adherence to protocols, ultimately contributing to safer communities by minimizing errors in dispatch and response. Such benefits are grounded in the causal role of data-driven in preempting harm, as evidenced by deployments in like traffic monitoring and tunnel security, where Verint systems enable proactive monitoring of vast video feeds to prevent accidents or security breaches. On regulatory compliance, Verint maintains that its solutions are engineered to align with stringent data protection standards, countering concerns through built-in safeguards like AI-powered PII redaction bots that automatically detect and obscure sensitive information in recordings, transcripts, and videos. This includes encrypted storage using RSA/AES protocols and SSL for communications, alongside role-based access controls that limit exposure of protected data such as health information under HIPAA or cardholder details under PCI-DSS. Verint's platforms incorporate workflows and automatic triggers to pause recordings during sensitive disclosures, ensuring adherence to laws like GDPR and CCPA by facilitating secure, auditable across global operations. The company holds certifications including ISO 27001 for , SOC 2 for trust services, and PCI-DSS for data handling, which are verified by third parties and integrated into its cybersecurity program to manage risks systematically. These measures support lawful by restricting use to consented or legally mandated purposes, without processing children's or engaging in unauthorized sales of , thereby balancing operational security needs with individual rights as required by international privacy frameworks. Verint asserts that such compliance features reduce blind spots in monitoring while enabling organizations to meet evolving regulatory demands, as seen in financial compliance recording that captures omnichannel interactions for audit readiness without compromising integrity.

Leadership and Corporate Governance

Key Executives and Board

Dan Bodner has served as and Chairman of the of Verint Systems since the company's inception in 1994, overseeing its evolution from intelligence solutions to customer engagement software. Elan Moriah acts as President, managing global operations and strategic initiatives. Grant Highlander serves as Chief Financial Officer, responsible for financial planning and reporting. Other key executives include Peter Fante as and , handling legal and administrative functions; Anna Convery as , appointed in February 2025 to lead sales and marketing efforts; Alan Roden as Chief Corporate Development Officer, focusing on partnerships and growth; Rob Scudiere as , directing product innovation; and Jaime Meritt as . Regional leaders comprise Ady Meretz as President of , Nick Nonini as Managing Director of EMEA, and Steve Seger as for the .
ExecutiveTitleKey Responsibilities
Dan BodnerCEO and ChairmanOverall leadership and strategy since 1994
Elan MoriahPresidentGlobal operations
Grant HighlanderFinancial oversight
Peter FanteCAO and Legal and admin functions
The Board of Directors comprises nine members as of 2025, with Dan Bodner as Chairman. Independent directors include William Kurtz (Lead Independent Director, age 68, chair of Audit Committee since May 2023); Richard Nottenburg (age 71, chair of Compensation Committee and member of Audit and Governance/Nominating Committees since June 2021); Andrew Miller (age 64, chair of Audit Committee since December 2019); Kristen Robinson (age 62, chair of Governance/Nominating Committee since November 2022); Stephen Gold (age 66); Linda Crawford (age 61, chair of Compensation Committee since December 2023); Yvette H. Smith (age 57, appointed April 2023); and Jason Wright (age 53, since May 2020). The board oversees governance through standing committees including Audit, Compensation, and Corporate Governance & Nominating, with all independent directors participating in at least one.

Ownership Structure Post-Independence

Following the completion of the spin-off of its cyber intelligence business into Cognyte Software Ltd. on February 1, 2021, Verint Systems Inc. has operated as an independent publicly traded company focused on customer experience automation solutions, listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker VRNT. This separation distributed Cognyte shares to Verint shareholders on a one-for-five basis and eliminated any shared ownership ties, establishing Verint's standalone structure with dispersed public ownership. Ownership post-spin-off has been characterized by predominant holdings, comprising approximately 87.5% of outstanding shares, with insiders holding about 1.35% and the remainder attributable to retail and other public investors. No single entity has exerted controlling influence, reflecting a broad base of equity distribution typical of mid-cap technology firms. Key shareholders as of mid-2025 include , Inc., with roughly 12.3% (7.68 million shares), , Inc., at approximately 9.5% (5.90 million shares), and Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc., holding about 5.3% (3.32 million shares). These figures underscore reliance on passive and active funds, with minimal concentrated control that could sway strategic decisions without broader market consensus. On August 25, 2025, Verint entered a definitive agreement to be acquired by , a , in an all-cash transaction valuing the enterprise at $2 billion, or $20.50 per share—a premium of about 18% over the prior closing price. The deal, which includes plans to merge Verint with Thoma Bravo's portfolio company Calabrio to enhance AI-driven customer experience capabilities, remains pending as of October 2025, with a vote scheduled for November 18, 2025. If approved and closed, it would privatize Verint, shifting ownership fully to Thoma Bravo and ending public trading, thereby altering the structure from dispersed institutional holdings to control. Prior to this proposed transaction, Verint's governance emphasized independence from any majority stakeholder, supported by its post-2013 elimination of Comverse Technology's through a stock-for-stock acquisition.

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